Taiwan’s Homegrown Coffee: History and Flavor

When you sip a cup of coffee, have you ever wondered whether it could have come from Taiwan? Though better known for tea, Taiwan has a lesser-known history of cultivating its own coffee — one tied to colonial trade, wartime hardship, and surprising agricultural potential. If you’ve never thought of Taiwan as a coffee-growing region, you’re not alone — but the story is worth exploring.

Taiwan’s coffee cultivation began in 1884 when the British introduced coffee to Taipei’s Sanxia District. Later, during Japanese rule, Arabica was imported and successfully grown in northern regions before being expanded to areas like Zhiben and Rueisuei. By 1941, Taiwan’s coffee production peaked in both volume and cup quality — marking its golden age before wartime disruption led to its decline.

The Origins: 19th-Century Introduction

Coffee first arrived in Taiwan in 1884 (during the 10th year of the Guangxu Emperor’s reign) when the British experimented with planting it in Taipei’s Sanxia District. This early introduction didn’t lead to large-scale farming, but it marked coffee’s first footstep on the island.

Later, during Japan’s colonial period in Taiwan (1895–1945), Japanese authorities identified Taiwan’s climate and soil as well-suited for coffee. They imported Arabica varieties from abroad and trialed them successfully in the north. Buoyed by the results, they invested heavily in expanding cultivation to areas such as Zhiben (in eastern Taiwan) and Rueisuei (in central Taiwan), achieving strong yields.

The Golden Age: 1941 Peak

By 1941, Taiwan’s coffee industry had reached its peak — production was abundant and the cup quality was highly regarded. This period is now considered the high point of Taiwanese coffee cultivation. However, the outbreak of the Pacific War disrupted markets, made sales nearly impossible, and diverted labor away from farming. With no one to tend the crops, many farmers switched to more essential food crops like rice. After Japan’s defeat and withdrawal, Taiwan’s coffee industry faded into obscurity.

Modern Revival: Key Farms and Eras

Today, Taiwan’s more substantial and enduring coffee farms include AnTong and Huisun. These operations represent the remnants of Taiwan’s coffee-growing legacy. Beyond cultivation, Taiwan’s coffee culture evolved through several phases:

• 1931: Japanese company Kimura Cafe planted coffee in Chiayi, later expanding to Rueisuei in Hualien.
• 1950: With the arrival of U.S. forces in Taiwan, instant coffee was introduced, initially limited to Nestlé products.
• 1960: The “honey coffee shop” era flourished, with Taipei’s Wuchang Street’s Star Café becoming a famed literary gathering spot.
• 1962: The first International Coffee Organization was established.
• 1963: AnTong Farm began cultivating coffee, adding to Taiwan’s production efforts.
• 1980s: The island saw a rise in bookstore-cafés, garden cafés, European-style shops, Japanese-style cafés, and the boom of modern coffee chains.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was coffee first introduced to Taiwan?

Coffee was first introduced to Taiwan in 1884 during the 10th year of the Guangxu Emperor’s reign, when the British planted it experimentally in Taipei’s Sanxia District.

Did Japan play a role in Taiwan’s coffee history?

Yes. During Japanese colonial rule (1895–1945), the Japanese identified Taiwan’s climate and soil as suitable for coffee, imported Arabica varieties, and successfully trialed them in the north before expanding cultivation to places like Zhiben and Rueisuei. They achieved strong production volumes during this time.

When did Taiwan’s coffee production reach its peak?

Taiwan’s coffee production reached its peak in 1941, when both yield and cup quality were considered excellent. This is regarded as the golden age of Taiwanese coffee.

Why did Taiwan’s coffee industry decline?

The industry declined during World War II due to market disruptions, labour shortages, and the prioritisation of food crops like rice. After Japan’s defeat, the lack of continued support led to the near-collapse of coffee farming in Taiwan.

Are there still coffee farms in Taiwan today?

Yes. Notable farms that continue coffee cultivation include AnTong and Huisun, which represent Taiwan’s modern coffee-growing efforts and historical legacy.

What happened in Taiwan’s coffee culture during the 1960s and 1980s?

In the 1960s, the “honey coffee shop” scene emerged, with cafés like Taipei’s Star Café becoming cultural hubs. By the 1980s, a variety of café styles flourished, including bookstore-cafés, garden cafés, European-style coffee shops, Japanese-style cafés, and the rise of modern coffee chains.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Taiwan Coffee Fans

If you’re curious about how Taiwan’s coffee heritage tastes today, try FrontStreet Coffee’s washed Yirgacheffe for bright citrus and floral notes, or their Natural Ethiopia Huakui for blueberry and fermented stone fruit. Both are single-origin Arabicas that share the delicate complexity once sought in Taiwan’s own plantings. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.